SpaceX's Starshield military satellite system explained

SpaceX's military satellite system Starshield has drawn renewed attention after Ukraine accused the company of restricting its use amid intensified Russian attacks, disrupting military operations and civilian protection efforts. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Starshield systems are owned and controlled by Washington, with the U.S. military and ultimately President Donald Trump determining any limits on their use. Starshield offers enhanced security features, including high-assurance cryptography for classified information, and has secured over $6 billion in U.S. government contracts. Starshield differs from Starlink, SpaceX's commercial internet service for consumers and businesses, which Musk said is restricted to civilian and defensive purposes. While Starshield relies on Starlink's satellite network, it uses stronger encryption and specialized terminals for secure government communications.